Surgery is often the main treatment for pituitary tumors. Learn about the types of surgery used, and possible side effects.
In most cases, pituitary tumors are treated using surgery, radiation therapy, or medicines. Learn more about these choices.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that causes your heart to pump too fast for too long after you stand up.
Vaginal dryness can also cause other symptoms, like burning, itching, and even urinary tract infections.
This is a mass of abnormal cells. It may be inside your brain, or it may be next to your brain. It can grow and press harmfully against healthy brain tissue. This can cause a wide range of problems throughout your body. A brain tumor can severely impact your life.
This video will teach patients what colorectal cancer is, its stages, and common treatments.
This condition is the formation of cancerous growths in the colon (called colon cancer) and in the rectum (called rectal cancer).
This type of cancer forms in the lining of the stomach or the intestines. It is a slow-growing cancer that results in one or more tumors. This cancer can spread from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver. Carcinoid tumors are less common than many other forms of cancer.
This cancer begins in a woman's uterus. That's the hollow organ we call the "womb," where a fetus grows during pregnancy. The cancer forms in the endometrial tissue. That's a layer of cells lining the inside of the womb.
This type of cancer develops in your esophagus. The esophagus is the organ that carries food and liquids from your throat to your stomach. It is a muscular tube lined with specialized cells.
This is a cancer of your lower throat. It affects the part of your throat called the "hypopharynx." It's the entrance to your esophagus (the tube that carries food to your stomach).
This cancer usually forms in the cells that line the inside of the stomach. These cells produce your stomach's protective mucus layer. Stomach cancer is not as common as other cancers. It can spread to other parts of the body if it is not treated in its early stages.
This is a cancer that forms in a part of your oral cavity. That includes your lips, tongue, mouth and throat. Oral cancers can be serious and hard to treat. They can spread through your lymphatic system to other parts of your body.
This is a cancer of your middle throat. It affects the part of your throat called the "oropharynx." This includes the throat's side and back walls, and the soft palate. It also includes the back of your tongue and your tonsils.
This video will teach patients what breast cancer is, its stages, and common treatments.
This form of cancer is a growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. Let's take a moment to learn more about this common disease.
Cervical cancer happens here, in the cervix. It's the lower part of a woman's womb (or uterus). If this cancer is found early, it can be cured. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body.
This is a growth of cancer cells in one or both of your ovaries. These organs are part of a woman's reproductive system. They make your egg cells. They also make hormones.
This video will teach patients what lung cancer is, its stages, and common treatments.
This is an abnormal growth of lung tissue cells. It can affect one or both of your lungs. In the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women.
This type of cancer is a slow-growing tumor. It forms in the walls of the large airways near the center of the lungs, or in the smaller airways near the lungs' outer edges. Carcinoid tumors are less common than many other forms of cancer. Some carcinoid tumors can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body.
This disease is a type of tumor that begins in the main cells of the liver. The liver is a large gland organ in your upper abdomen. It performs many roles, including helping break down and store nutrients.
This video will teach patients what prostate cancer is, its stages, and common treatments.
This is a common cancer in men. It forms in the prostate. That's a small gland at the base of the male bladder. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, but it can spread to other parts of your body.
Testicular cancer is cancer that begins in the testicles. Most testicular cancer patients are men 20 to 40 years old. This video offers details on who is at risk for this type of cancer and how this cancer is diagnosed.
This video will teach patients what pancreatic cancer is, its stages, and common treatments.
This disease begins in the cells of the pancreas. Your pancreas is an important gland in your upper abdomen. It secretes hormones such as insulin. It also secretes enzymes that help digestion. Pancreatic cancer develops when cells in the pancreas mutate. Doctors are not sure what causes this to occur.
This video will teach patients what leukemia is, its stages, and common treatments.
The doctor says your blood is making you sick. You have "leukemia." What does that mean, exactly? Well, let's find out.
This is a cancer of the blood cells. Commonly it involves your white blood cells, but leukemia can also affect red blood cells and platelets. Leukemia results in abnormal blood cells that don't work properly.
This video will teach patients what lymphoma is, its stages, and common treatments.
This is a cancer of the lymphatic system. This system clears infections and manages fluids in your body. It is an important part of your immune system.
This is a cancer of the lymphatic system. This system helps clear infections and manage fluids throughout your body. It's an important part of your immune system.
This is a swelling of part of your body. Often, it involves an arm or a leg. Lymphedema is linked to improper drainage of your lymphatic system. This system of vessels, ducts and nodes carries infection-fighting lymph fluid throughout your body.
This is a cancer that forms in the mesothelium. That's a thin layer of tissue around many of your organs. Most often, this cancer affects the tissue around your lungs. But it can form in other places. It can develop in the tissue that lines the heart, abdomen or testicles.
This type of cancer forms in blood cells called plasma cells. These are special white blood cells that help your immune system. They mainly stay inside your bone marrow, a soft, spongy tissue found in your large bones. Your bone marrow is where new blood cells are made. If you have multiple myeloma, your marrow becomes crowded with cancerous plasma cells. They crowd out healthy blood cells. They produce abnormal proteins that cause problems in your body.
This video will teach patients what skin cancer is, its stages, and common treatments.
This is the most common form of cancer. We often see it on skin that gets a lot of sun. This includes your head, face, neck, arms and hands. Anyone can get skin cancer. But it's more common in people who have fair skin, red or blonde hair and light-colored eyes.
This is a tumor in your meninges. These thin layers of protective tissue surround your brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are not cancerous. They usually grow slowly.
This is a cancer that begins in your bladder. This muscular organ stores your urine and pushes it out of your body when you urinate. Bladder cancer most commonly affects older people. Without proper treatment, it can spread to other parts of your body.
This disease, also called renal cancer, is a condition in which abnormal cells grow in one or both kidneys. The kidneys are fist-sized organs that filter blood and produce urine. In adults, the most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma. This cancer develops inside the lining of small tubes found in the kidney's cortex and medulla regions.
This is an abnormal growth of cells in your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland. Your thyroid is located in the base of your neck. The hormones it produces help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.
This is an uncommon type of cancer that forms in soft tissues of the body. Soft tissue sarcomas can develop in fat, muscle, or fibrous tissues. They can form in tissues of the blood vessels or nerves. They are most often found in the arms, legs or abdomen, but they can develop in any part of the body. This cancer can also spread from one part of the body to another.
This cancer forms in a gland that makes your saliva. There are three pairs of these glands, and they're on both sides of your face. Salivary gland cancer can form in any of them.
Cancer cells can spread from one part of the body to another. When this happens, the cancer is said to have metastasized. When cancer spreads far from a primary tumor and begins to invade other organs, bones or tissues, this is called metastatic disease. It can be very difficult to treat, but some people live with this disease for a long time.
This is the name given to a large group of rare, chronic genetic disorders. These are diseases of the immune system. A person who has a PI has a weaker-than-normal immune system. There are hundreds of primary immunodeficiency diseases. Some are serious, and some are mild.
This is a cancer that began elsewhere in your body and then spread to your brain, forming one or more tumors. Many different cancers can spread this way. These tumors are actually more common than tumors that begin in the brain's own tissues.
This is when cancer spreads to your spine from somewhere else in your body. It can form one or more tumors. It may invade healthy bone and tissues. And it may spread throughout your spine.
This is the collective name for a group of bone marrow disorders. Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found inside the large bones in your body. It's where new blood cells are made. With MDS, also called "bone marrow failure disorder," the marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells.
This is a cancerous bone tumor. It tends to affect growing teens and people over age 60. Although osteosarcoma may form in any bone, we most often see it in a large bone near a growth plate. That's the part of the bone that expands as you grow.
This cancer is most often found in males between the ages of 15 and 35. It can form in one or both testicles (also called the "testes"). These reproductive organs make sperm and sex hormones.
People with this syndrome have dark moles around the mouth, nose, and eyes, as well as multiple polyps in the intestines.
Transurethral resection of bladder tumor is done to help find the cause of a bladder problem, such as bladder cancer. During the procedure, small tissue samples are taken from the inside of your bladder. The samples are then tested in a lab. This sheet explains how the procedure is done.
Bladder cancer means that certain cells in the bladder have changed in ways that aren't normal.
Once cancer has been diagnosed, the next step is to choose the best way to treat it. To help do this, your healthcare provider checks how deep the cancer has grown and if it has spread. (This is called the cancer stage.)
Once cancer has been diagnosed, the next step is to choose the best way to treat it. To help do this, your healthcare provider checks what the cancer cells look like under a microscope. (This is called the cancer grade.).
Cystoscopy is a way for your healthcare provider to get a close look at the inside of your bladder. If cancer is found, it may be taken out during this procedure. This is called transurethral resection (TUR).
Some types of bladder tumors are hard to remove completely with surgery. In certain cases, special medicines that kill cancer cells may be put right inside the bladder. This is called intravesical therapy. It may be a choice if you have a hard-to-remove tumor. Or it may be done after surgery to help keep the cancer from coming back.
Learn about how radiation is used to treat bladder cancer, including what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
As you prepare for a bone marrow transplant, you may be worried and unsure of what to expect. Being prepared can help ease your fears. This article will help explain the basics of your inpatient stay.
Often, the treatment for a blood cancer like leukemia or lymphoma is a stem cell transplant. About 3 in 10 patients who need one can use donor cells from someone in their immediate family.
Bone metastasis is when an area of bone has cancer that spread there from another part of the body. Breast, prostate, lung, kidneys, and thyroid cancers are more likely to spread to the bone.
A bone biopsy is a procedure done to remove tissue or cells from the body to be looked at under a microscope.
A bone marrow biopsy involves removing a small sample of the bone marrow inside your bones for testing. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain. They can cause serious damage, even if they are not cancer.
If you've been diagnosed with a brain tumor, the next step may be a brain tumor biopsy. This will help find out if the tumor is cancer and how it should be treated.
Treatment for a brain tumor may involve internal or external radiation.
In some cases, a brain tumor may be treated by placing radioactive seends directly in or near the tumor.
A brain tumor can cause symptoms. Learn about what kinds of medicines can help.
Chemotherapy for a brain tumor uses medicine to interrupt the life cycle of the cancer cells. It can cause a number of side effects. Learn what you can to manage them.
Coping with a brain tumor is no doubt 1 of the most difficult things you might face. These tips can help you during this time.
Learn about the healthcare providers you will work with as you get treatment for a brain tumor.
Treatment for brain tumors may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these 3. The guidelines provided here are for general care.
Ependymoma is a rare type of tumor of the brain or spinal cord. It can occur in both children and adults. In adults, it is often in the spinal cord. The tumor may not be cancer (benign), or it may be cancer.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a fast-growing brain tumor. It's the most common type of brain cancer tumor in adults. GBMs occur most often in adults ages 45 to 70.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a type of brain cancer tumor. Treatment is often done with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Here's what you need to know.
When it comes to nipple tattoos, you have 2 main choices: a nipple reconstruction tattoo or a 3-D nipple tattoo. Here's a closer look at both.
After a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, you may feel scared and overwhelmed. A community of people is available to share advice, knowledge, and resources.
No matter what emotions arise, coping strategies can help. Here's how to get started.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer is complex and difficult. Being pregnant and having breast cancer at the same time can feel truly overwhelming.
There are no guarantees that a person won't get cancer. But taking these steps can go a long way toward reducing the risk.
When we think of breast cancer, we often think of women. But men are not immune to this disease.
You likely will need additional tests to help your provider learn more about the cancer.
There are many treatment choices for male breast cancer. The one that works best for you depends on a number of factors.
It isn't always clear why men develop breast cancer. But experts know that certain risk factors can play a role.
Metastatic breast cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the breast.
Getting breast implants is a very personal decision. If you're thinking about it, you're likely weighing the pros and cons. One thing to know is that getting breast implants may increase your risk for certain cancers. Learning more can help you make a decision that's right for you.
When you have breast cancer, there's a danger it can spread through your body. If it does spread, it will often move through the lymph nodes in your underarm area. This procedure removes these lymph nodes. We do it to learn more about your cancer. It can also keep your cancer from spreading.
We tend to think of breast cancer as a disease that affects only women. But in rare cases, men can get this cancer, too. Let's take a moment to learn more about it.
This is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of your body. We also call it "stage IV" breast cancer. This is the most advanced stage. It can affect you in different ways, depending on where the cancer cells have moved to.
When you have breast cancer, we rate your cancer on a scale from 0 to IV. This is the "stage" of your cancer. It tells us a little bit about your cancer, and helps us decide on a care plan. Let's learn about the five basic stages.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive cancer that can be hard to detect.
Mastectomy is surgery to remove a breast. It's most often done to treat breast cancer, or to keep cancer from spreading. After a mastectomy, reconstruction can be done to rebuild the breast shape and restore its appearance.
Estrogen is one of the female hormones. Sometimes breast cancer cells use estrogen to grow and multiply. Hormone therapy is a way to reduce the action of estrogen on these cells.
Your mammogram results will be given a number of 0 through 6. This rating system is known as the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS).
Stereotactic breast biopsy is used to take tiny samples of your breast tissue that can be studied under a microscope. This procedure uses X-rays to find the tissue to be removed.
As you recover from breast surgery, your healthcare provider will tell you when it is safe to begin exercising, what kind of exercises you should do, and how much exercising you should do.
After breast surgery or radiation, fluid may collect and cause swelling in the arm and chest on the side of the treatment. This is called lymphadema. These tips can help you care for yourself after surgery.
If you have breast cancer, you will have many treatment choices. Your choices may include one or more types of adjuvant therapy. These are treatments used in addition to surgery.
Several surgical procedures are used to treat breast cancer. The goal of each is to remove the cancer. Based on medical factors and your own feelings, you and your surgeon will decide which approach may be best for you.
Having breast cancer means cells in the breast have changed (mutated) and are growing out of control. Read on to learn about the different types and stages of breast cancer.
Your surgeon can help you decide whether to have reconstructive surgery. You will be advised to wait if now is not the best time for you. Breast reconstruction can be done during or after a mastectomy. One kind of reconstruction is the breast implant. A sac of fluid is inserted during surgery to re-form the shape of a breast.
A flap procedure uses your own tissue to form the shape of a breast. There are 2 kinds of flap procedures: the TRAM flap and the LD flap.
Lumpectomy is surgery to remove cancer. It's a breast-conserving surgery, which means your breast remains intact. If you're having a lumpectomy, you'll probably also have radiation therapy.
Mastectomy is surgery to remove the breast. The most commonly done mastectomies are called simple and modified radical. During these procedures, the chest muscle is not removed. As a result, arm strength remains. Keeping the chest muscle also makes reconstruction easier.
The length of your hospital stay depends on the type of surgery you have. You'll be given instructions to follow during recovery. Some women feel fine within a month. Others need more time.
Successful treatment of your cancer is the first step toward a healthy future. Now you can begin a follow-up program. This lifelong program should include visits to your healthcare provider, regular mammograms, and knowing how your chest/breast normally looks and feels so you can notice any changes right away.
You just had a procedure to remove a lump or a small piece of tissue from your breast. After surgery, be sure to have an adult drive you home. Ask your healthcare provider when you will get the results of the biopsy.
A surgical breast biopsy requires an incision in the skin. This allows your doctor to take a large piece of tissue from the breast. Sometimes the whole lump is removed.
A surgical breast biopsy is done to remove a small piece of tissue from the breast. This tissue is then sent to a lab to be studied. Most surgical breast biopsies are done in a hospital or clinic. They are performed on an outpatient basis.
Needle breast biopsies can be done in a doctor's office or in an outpatient setting. A needle or special probe is used to remove samples through the skin.
During a sentinel node breast biopsy, your surgeon removes the first lymph node or nodes that cancer could reach. These are screened to see if cancer cells have traveled out of the breast.
Waiting for biopsy results is never easy. But you will know your results within days. You may get the results during a follow-up visit with your provider. Or your provider may call you with the results.
After surgery, your body needs time to recover. You will receive information about helping your body heal and what you can and cannot do. This sheet can help you know what to watch for and when to call your doctor.
You are being treated for breast cancer or precancer. The cancer or precancerous tissue was removed with surgery. This may have been done with a lumpectomy. Or it may have been with a total mastectomy. Here is information that includes allowed activities and home care.
Prophylactic mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both breasts in an effort to prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer. There are several reasons women choose this surgery. You talked to your healthcare provider about these reasons before your surgery. This sheet can help you care for yourself at home.
Breast cancer is rare in men, but it does occur. Being older than 60 is one risk factor.
As you recover from breast surgery, your doctor will tell you when it is safe to begin exercising, what kind of exercises you should do, and how much exercising you should do.
Here are answers to some common questions about getting chemotherapy for cervical cancer.
Your healthcare provider can use certain screenings and tests to find signs of cervical cancer.
Immunotherapy is a new option for cancer treatment. . It helps your body's natural immune system find and attack cancer cells.
A helpful overview of the cervix and cervical cancer, including types, screening, and prevention.
Learning you have cervical cancer can bring up many emotions. You might feel scared, confused, or mad. But understanding what is happening is the start of getting better.
Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide. Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to lower your risk. There are ways to help prevent precancer, as well as tests to find precancer early—before it has a chance to turn into cervical cancer. Here's how to safeguard your cervical health and avoid future problems.
Radiation therapy is one method used to treat cervical cancer. In this treatment, beams of high-energy x-rays are targeted at cancer cells to break them down. Read on to learn more.
It isn't always clear why a person gets cancer. But experts know that certain risk factors can raise your odds. Learning about your personal risk factors for cervical cancer can go a long way in protecting your future health.
Getting screened for cervical cancer can help you take charge of your health. Screening tests can sometimes find certain cancers early when they're small and before they've spread or caused symptoms.
It's rare to have symptoms of cervical cancer. But it's important to see your provider if you notice anything that feels out of the ordinary for you. Here's what you need to know.
Once you learn that you have cervical cancer, the next step will likely be more tests. These tests will help you and your healthcare team find out everything you can about your cancer before deciding which treatment plan will work best for you.
If your healthcare provider contacts you to say your Pap test results are abnormal, try not to panic. This just means there are cells on your cervix that don't look like normal healthy cells.
Cervical cancer is often caused by HPV, a common virus. Ask your healthcare provider how often you should have a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer.
There are several different procedures for treating cervical cancer. Some are simple procedures while others are quite involved. Your recovery will vary depending on several factors.
A cervical biopsy removes a small piece of tissue from your cervix. This tissue is sent to a lab to check for any problems with your cervix, such as precancerous conditions or cancer.
Ablation and embolization are minimally invasive procedures that can be used to destroy tumors.
Finding out you have colorectal cancer can be scary. But with the right treatment, you can survive and thrive. One common option is chemotherapy, or chemo.
Immunotherapy is designed to help a person's own immune system fight cancer more effectively.
Everyone is at some risk for colorectal cancer. But making simple changes in your life can help you control many of the risk factors. Here are some ideas that may help.
Proctectomy is a surgery that removes all or part of the rectum. Sometimes the anal opening is removed, too. This surgery can be done at all stages of rectal cancer. Read on to learn more.
Understanding colorectal cancer is an important part of staying healthy. It can affect anyone but knowing your specific risk factors can help.
Colectomy is surgery to remove the diseased or damaged part of your colon. Read on to learn more about how this surgery is done, and what to expect.
Read on to learn about the many tests that can screen for colorectal cancer.
It's completely normal to have questions if radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan for colorectal cancer. Here's how to get ready—both mentally and physically—before your first appointment.
There are several ways to screen for the possibility of colorectal cancer, and testing for blood in your stool is one of them. These tests can detect signs of colorectal cancer or polyps because sometimes colorectal cancers or polyps bleed into your digestive tract. This blood can then go into your stool or feces. While these tests might sound uncomfortable, there is some good news. They can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Learn about how surgery is used to treat colorectal cancer, including the types of surgery, when they are used, and what to expect before and after the procedure.
Cancer starts when cells in the body change (mutate) and grow out of control. These cells can form lumps of tissue called tumors. Cancer that starts in the cells of the colon is called colon cancer. Cancer that starts in the cells that make up the rectum is called rectal cancer. These cancers are a lot alike, so they're sometimes just called colorectal cancer.
You have been diagnosed with cancer of the colon and rectum (also called colorectal cancer). This is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon and rectum. The surgical removal of part or all of the colon (colectomy) is the primary treatment for most colorectal cancers. This sheet will help you remember how to care for yourself after surgery.
Colorectal cancer (cancer in the colon or rectum) is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. But it doesn't have to be. When this cancer is found and removed early, the chances of a full recovery are very good.
Staging cancer determines whether it has spread, and if so, how far. Knowing the cancer stage helps the healthcare provider make the best treatment plan.
A gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a rare type of cancer. It occurs in the gastrointestinal or digestive tract.
The innner lining is the most common place in the uterus for cancer to begin. Cancer can interfere with the working of the uterus and may invade nearby organs. Endometrial cancer may also spread to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis. The more cancer spreads, the harder it is to treat.
Here is what to expect after a hysterectomy.
Surgery that removes part or all of your esophagus is called an esophagectomy.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure that destroys cells in the esophagus that may turn into cancer. It can help prevent or treat cancer of the esophagus.
This sheet will help you remember how to care for yourself after surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy may be used for esophageal cancer that can't be treated with surgery, or cancer that comes back. It may be used on its own. Or it may be used along with other types of treatments.
There are different surgeries for treating cancer of the gallbladder. Your surgery may have been fairly simple or quite involved. Your recovery will depend on many factors.
Excisional biopsy helps find the cause of an enlarged lymph node. During it, the entire enlarged lymph node is removed. It's then sent to a lab for testing.
Helpful information on taking care of yourself during and after treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.
Cancer that starts in a kidney is call kidney or renal cancer. Learn how this cancer forms and what the treatment options are.
When you're being treated for kidney cancer, you'll need to take good care of yourself at home after treatment. Read on for helpful tips.
Your healthcare provider may suggest this treatment if the cancer has spread beyond your kidney or comes back after other treatment.
Cancer happens when cells in the body begin changing in ways that aren't normal. Cancer that starts in blood cells is called leukemia.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a way to treat cancer that is growing in the liver. The treatment uses heat to kill cancer cells.
Yttrium 90 (Y90) radioembolization is a treatment for liver cancer. It's a type of internal radiation therapy. That means the radiation source is put directly inside your body.
Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 5 lung cancers each year are diagnosed in non-smokers.
If you have lung cancer, your surgeon may suggest you have surgery to treat it. During lung resection, the surgeon removes part or all of your lung.
Surgery is often part of the treatment plan for some early-stage lung cancers. Here's a look at what's involved, some common procedures, and what to expect.
A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease. When it comes to cancer, risk factors can be what you eat, where you work, and who your parents are.
If you need radiation therapy for lung cancer, you might be feeling overwhelmed or scared. That's understandable. Learning more about this treatment can help you feel better.
A helpful overview of lung cancer, including types of lung cancer, causes, how it spreads, and symptoms.
If lung cancer is detected early, when it's small and hasn't had the chance to spread, it is more likely to be treated successfully. But lung cancer can be hard to catch at an early stage. People with lung cancer often don't show symptoms until it's more advanced. Even then, it's easy to attribute those symptoms to other causes.
Lung cancer treatment can be stressful. Knowing what to expect from surgery can help ease that stress.
Lung cancer treatment can be stressful. Knowing what to expect from radiation can help ease that stress.
Lung cancer treatment can be stressful. Knowing the benefits of palliative care can help ease that stress.
Surgery can be done to both diagnose and treat lung cancer. In most cases, surgery is used if the cancer is found in an early stage. You will need to prepare. Work with your healthcare provider to learn more about what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Surgery is often done to get a closer look at the inside of the lungs and to help treat lung problems.
Lung cancer causes some cells in the lungs to grow out of control. These cells are called cancer cells. Cancer cells can spread to other areas in the lungs. Or, they can travel to other parts of the body.
You have been diagnosed with lung cancer, the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the lung. Treatment for lung cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy (or other medicines), radiation therapy, or a combination of these. This sheet helps you remember how to care for yourself after treatment.
If your healthcare provider thinks you may have lung cancer, they will most likely order a number of tests. These tests can diagnose lung cancer and reveal the type of cancer, where it's located, and if, or how much, it has spread. Test results may also help your healthcare provider plan treatment.
Having a plan for your future can be a great source of comfort. You can help make sure you get the type of care you want. Or, if someone else needs to decide about your treatment, you can choose that person ahead of time. By taking care of these details, you may feel more at ease.
When living with lung cancer, you need to do all you can to stay strong. Maintain your weight by eating plenty of food. Being active helps you improve both your physical and mental health. Taking these steps can also help limit certain side effects of your treatment.
You are having lung surgery. To evaluate your lungs and nearby areas, tests may be done. You may have had some of these tests. Others may be scheduled before your surgery. Your healthcare provider uses the information gathered during these tests to help plan your surgery and treatment.
Low-dose cancer screening can reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer for those at high risk.
A catheter is put in place to help drain excess fluid from around your lung. Too much fluid around your lung is called pleural effusion.
Read on to learn about non-Hodgkin lymphoma, from how it forms to treatment options.
Helpful information on how to care for yourself during and after treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
With oral anticancer medicines, you can receive your cancer care at home. Read on to learn more.
Transoral resection is surgery to help control or cure oral cancer. During surgery, an oral tumor is removed through the mouth. This sheet explains transoral resection and what to expect.
The parotid is a gland near the ear. It helps produce and control the release of saliva. If a tumor forms in the parotid gland, it can press on the facial nerve, causing discomfort and pain. Part or all of the face may be weak or paralyzed. To treat a parotid tumor, part or all of the gland is removed. This surgery is called parotidectomy. This sheet explains the surgery and what to expect.
Cancer that starts in the ovaries is called ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer can spread from the ovaries to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis. In general, the more cancer spreads, the harder it is to treat.
Surgery is the most common treatment for ovarian cancer. This is followed by chemotherapy. You discussed your treatment plan with your healthcare provider in detail. This sheet will help you remember how to care for yourself after surgery and chemotherapy.
Your pancreas is both an organ and a gland. It's found in your abdomen behind your stomach. But what does the pancreas do, exactly? Let's take a moment to learn more about it.
Learn what the pancreas does, how pancreatic cancer forms, and what the treatment options are.
You have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the pancreas. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these three. This sheet helps you remember how to care for yourself after treatment.
Targeted therapy is a form of treatment that uses medicines to "target" specific proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread. It doesn't harm normal cells.
Chemotherapy (chemo) uses strong medicines to kill fast-growing cancer cells. Learn how it's used to treat nonmelanoma skin cancer.
other parts of the body. This is called metastasis. Nonmelanoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It is successfully treated if found early. Read on to learn more.
You may have heard about radiation therapy for cancer treatment. But you may not be sure what it is or what it does. Learning more about it will help you understand how it may be a good treatment for you.
It isn't always clear why a person gets cancer. But experts know that certain risk factors can raise your odds. Learning about your own risk factors for skin cancer can help you protect your future health. Here's what you should know.
Surgery is one of the most effective and common procedures for nonmelanoma skin cancer. It can remove the cancer with minimal impact on nearby tissue. Read on to learn about the different surgery options.
Watch this to learn answers to common concerns about skin cancer surgery.
This rough, discolored growth forms on the outer layer of skin. We often see it on skin that gets a lot of sun. It's more common in people who have fair skin, red or blonde hair and light-colored eyes. And most often, we see it in people older than 40.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Here's what to expect if you have surgery for melanoma removal.
Skin cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone. It is the most common form of cancer. If caught early, skin cancer can often be treated with success. But in some cases, it is life-threatening. To play it safe, start doing monthly skin checkups. If you see any changes in your skin, contact your doctor right away.
Doing monthly skin checkups is the best way to find new marks or skin changes. During your skin checkups, look for changes in the size, shape, color, or elevation of your skin growths. Note, too, if your growths bleed, itch, or are painful.
Relaxing in the sun may feel good, but it isn't good for your skin. In fact, being exposed to the sun's harmful rays is a major cause of skin cancer. Follow these tips to protect your skin.
Tumor excision is surgery to remove a tumor. Frozen section is a tool that can be used during surgery. It helps to determine how much of a tumor needs to be removed and that the margins are clear of dangerous cells.
Mohs surgery is done to help treat skin cancer. During the surgery, a thin section of the tumor and a small area around it are removed. The removed tissue is looked at right away under a microscope. The process is then repeated.
Sometimes a type of skin cancer called melanoma can grow in or near the mole. In other cases, a mole may be bothersome. In either case, removal (excision) of a problem mole can be done.
While there is no sure way to stay cancer-free, there are ways that can lower your risks of getting prostate cancer. In some cases, a healthcare provider may suggest using medicine to reduce your risk. But there are steps you can take on your own with no prescription needed.
As prostate cancer progresses, some people have symptoms. But others don't. Here's a look at 13 signs to watch for.
You may feel curious or even a bit nervous about getting a vaccine to treat your prostate cancer. That's understandable. This article gives details on this type of therapy and how it can affect your body.
One way to treat prostate cancer is radiation therapy, or radiotherapy. This treatment sends radiation to the cancer in the prostate. It can kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
Read on to learn about the types of surgery used to treat prostate cancer.
Learn about chemo treatment for prostate cancer, including types of medicines, how they are given, and possible side effects..
A prostate biopsy is when a tiny sample of tissue is taken from the prostate gland and checked for cancer. Find out when you may need one, and how it's done.
You have many treatment choices for prostate cancer. This video discusses the various treatment choices.
There are many treatments for prostate cancer. The best one for you will be based on things like your age, overall health, and the stage of the cancer.
When you're living with prostate cancer, it's important to stay as healthy as possible. Proper diet and exercise help you fight the disease. Here are some tips that really make a difference.
Prostate needle biopsy is a test to look for prostate cancer. During the test, a thin, hollow needle is used to take small samples of tissue from the prostate. The samples are then tested in a lab.
Prostate cancer cells need androgens to grow. Reducing the amount of androgens in the body or blocking prostate cancer cells from using them can help treat prostate cancer. This therapy does not cure the cancer, but it can help control it. It may be used alone. Or it may be used with radiation therapy to help make this treatment more effective.
This test is mainly used to diagnose prostate cancer and see if it has spread. It may also be used to help with a biopsy of prostate tissue.
You may need a prostate ultrasound if your healthcare provider thinks you may have prostate cancer. Read on to learn about the test.
PSA, an ingredient of semen, is made by the prostate. Some PSA naturally leaks from the prostate into the bloodstream. The PSA test measures the amount of PSA in the blood. Read on for details about the test.
Cancer that starts in the prostate is called prostate cancer. It can grow and spread beyond the prostate, threatening health and life. Here's what you need to know.
Cancer that has spread beyond the prostate can often be treated. Hormone therapy can slow the growth and spread of the cancer. Chemotherapy may help relieve symptoms and control the cancer. Cancer pain can be managed with medications.
Treatment can often keep prostate cancer under control. Your healthcare team will advise a treatment plan for you. Learn more about how this is done.
Radical prostatectomy is surgery to remove the entire prostate. It may be done if tests show that the cancer is only in the prostate.
A transrectal ultrasound is an imaging test to check a man's prostate gland. Tissue samples (a biopsy) may also be taken.
No matter what type of treatment you choose, life with prostate cancer can be challenging. Your goal during treatment should be to live as normal a life as possible. Your health care team can help you to cope with any physical and emotional issues. The support of your family and friends can help, too.
Radiation therapy is one way to destroy cancer cells. Cancer cells die for months after the therapy ends. Radiation can be given from outside or from inside the body. Radiation given from inside the prostate gland is called internal radiation. It's also known as interstitial brachytherapy.
Screening for prostate cancer can help check if you have cancer. Screening tests often include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Talk with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of regular screening starting at age 50 or earlier if you are at higher risk.
Read on to learn about grading of prostate cancer. Low-grade cancers are more similar to normal tissue. High-grade cancers differ from normal tissue in the way cells are organized, and in cell size and shape. The higher the grade, the faster the cancer is likely to be growing.
Should you be screened yearly for prostate cancer, even if you have no symptoms? Experts disagree. Below are some factors to think about as you make a decision.
Staging of cancer is a way of noting how big the cancer is and if it has spread. The stage is important in helping to decide on treatment choices.
ERAS is a program to improve surgical quality. The guidelines put the focus on the patient.
Cancer happens when cells in the body begin changing and multiplying out of control. These cells can form lumps of tissue called tumors. Cancer that forms in the stomach is called stomach or gastric cancer.
You have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the testicles. Surgery is the most common treatment for testicular cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant are also choices. This sheet helps you remember how to care for yourself after surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are two types of cancer that start in the cells of the thymus. These types of cancer are rare.
You had a procedure called fine-needle thyroid biopsy. This biopsy was done to assess a nodule or cyst in your thyroid gland or enlargement of the thyroid. During the biopsy, a very thin needle is inserted through the skin into the gland. The needle is used to remove a small amount of tissue from the gland. (This may be done more than 1 time to be sure to get cells from all parts of the nodule.) Or the needle is used to drain fluid from a cyst. The tissue or fluid is then studied in a lab.
If you are being treated for thyroid cancer, your healthcare provider may tell you to follow a low-iodine diet. You'll need to be on this diet for about 2 weeks before you have radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy.
Learn about the different types of thyroid cancer as well as treatment options.
The most common treatment for thyroid cancer is thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Here is information on how to care for yourself after surgery.
Immunotherapy for uterine cancer is given as an IV (intravenous) infusion. The medicines are usually given every 3 to 6 weeks.
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment. It uses medicines made to focus on parts of cancer cells that make them different from normal, healthy cells.
Surgery is the most common treatment for both types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Here is information to help you know what you can and can't do at home after surgery.
A vulvar biopsy is a test to check for vulvar cancer or another skin disease. The vulva is the outer part of a woman's genitals.
Vulvectomy is a surgery to remove some or all of your outer genitals. The surgery is done to remove diseased areas such as cancer, precancer, or lichen sclerosus.